Lakewood man admits killing his own mother with an axe

The Lakewood man authorities say killed his mother with an ax in their Sumac Court home has pleaded guilty to murder.

The Ocean County Prosecutor's office announced the plea Tuesday, though 43-year-old Brian Cassidy entered it the day before. The Asbury Park Press reports authorities will drop weapons and theft charges as part of the plea deal — and Supervising Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Michelle Armstrong will argue for a 30-year prison term

According to the prosecutor's office, 61-year-old Gail Conway's supervisor at a Toms River CVS called police on June 25, 2013 asking for a welfare check when Conway didn't show up to work. Police arriving at her home got no answer at the front door, and found her bloody body lying dead in a bed, authorities said.

Later that day, Lakewood Police Detective Jason Pederson spotted Conway's car, and saw Cassidy step out of it. Cassidy was arrested shortly afterward.

The Asbury Park Press also reports that although Conway died of head trauma, police also reported she'd had been cut multiple times with a carpet-cutter knife during an argument with her son.

Cassidy is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 6.